Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America and the first president of African-American descent, marking a day of immense historical significance. The 47-year-old senator from Illinois defeated Republican Sen. John McCain.

A record number of people turned out to vote according to officials – around 130-140 million people. The newly elected president will be sworn in as the 44th President on January 20, 2009. A huge crowd went wild as Obama gave his first public speech in Grant Park in Chicago. He talked about how the the nation was united and started to believe that their voice will make a difference. He also talked about how doubts were erased that night about America as a place where all things are possible.

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Barack H. Obama: The nation’s 44th President!

Police have confirmed that the body of a young boy found in the backseat of the stolen SUV belonging to Jason Hudson, is that of 7-year-old Julian King, Jennifer Hudson’s nephew who has been missing since last Friday. The Chicago Tribune reported that the boy was shot several times. William Balfour, the primary suspect, will have his clothing tested for gunshot residue. Here’s the report from the Chicago Tribune:

“The body was found in the back seat of the white Chevrolet Suburban police were looking for in their search for 7-year-old Julian King, three days after Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot to death in the mother’s house in Englewood.

Law enforcement sources said that the boy was shot multiple times in the back of the vehicle. Police are testing the clothing of a man in custody for gunshot residue.

It was found by a 75-year-old who lives on the block, John Louden. He said he has lived on the block for 18 years and worried about people selling drugs in the abandoned building behind it. He saw the SUV while walking his dog. After a double-take, he realized the license plate matched the one police were looking for.

“I didn’t look in there. I didn’t touch it. I knew it was a strange vehicle,” Louden said. He said police showed up in about five minutes after his wife called them. They discovered the child inside. The body was removed and the SUV was towed away for evidence processing.”

The Tribune revealed details about William Balfour’s arrest. His girlfriend has already contradicted his alibi:

“Balfour has denied involvement in the killings or the disappearance of the boy. But at some point, Balfour stopped talking to authorities. On Sunday morning, Balfour was transferred to a state facility after officials said he violated conditions of parole for a 1999 conviction for attempted murder. On Sunday, Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said Balfour violated his parole because he is a suspect in the slayings and the boy’s disappearance. According to law-enforcement sources, Balfour’s alibi the day of the killings has been contradicted by his girlfriend.”

Reports said that the boy was shot multiple times including one in the head. What kind of monster can do that to a helpless kid? The boy didn’t do anything. He was just a victim of a tragic series of events culminating in this horrible outcome. I really hope that whoever did this receives the rightful punishment he deserves. Our sincerest condolences to the Hudson family.